CPM MP Anil Basu's nasty jibe against Mamata to cost dear?

Hooghly, Apr 24: West Bengal is a virtual hotpot of activity especially during the wake of the Assembly Polls that is seeing a war of words between the Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M). But things turned ugly when a CPM MP, Anil Basu hit a nerve with Trinamool loyalists when he undertook a scathing personal attack against Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee at a public rally.

Speaking at a rally in Arambagh, Anil Basu went ballistic with his comments and said, "America is giving Mamata the money. Why should she take money from Chennai and Bangalore? Rich clients have come, so there is no place for poor clients. I am asking Mamata, where did she get the 34 crore rupees?" The latest lambast has angered Trinamool supporters and has brought shame to the CPM.

Anil Basu went to an extent that was unbecoming of a politician of his class and earned the ire from many within his party as well. The West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee commented on the issue and went into damage-control mode and said, “I have heard his speech, it is not decent at all. This does not speak well of a Communist leader. What should I say to him? I told some of my colleagues to warn him, I don't want to hear such words again. This cannot be excused."

The timing of the comment is also crucial considering that Mamata Didi's magnanimous presence in the election campaign has been electrifying and she hopes to overthrow the ruling CPM government by highlighting various instances of their misrule. The latest jab from the opposition camp will only work for Mamata supporters.